Topical Encyclopedia The Urim and Thummim are ancient elements associated with the high priest's breastplate, as described in the Old Testament. These objects were used as a means of divine communication and decision-making for the Israelites. The exact nature and appearance of the Urim and Thummim remain a subject of scholarly debate, but they are consistently linked to the priestly garments and the sacred duty of seeking God's guidance.Biblical References The primary biblical references to the Urim and Thummim are found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and 1 Samuel. In Exodus 28:30 , God commands Moses regarding the high priest's breastplate: "And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." The Urim and Thummim are also mentioned in Leviticus 8:8, where Moses places them into the breastplate as part of the consecration of Aaron and his sons. In Numbers 27:21, the Urim is used to seek God's will: "He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command, he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out and come in." Function and Use The Urim and Thummim were integral to the high priest's role as an intermediary between God and the people of Israel. They were used to discern God's will in matters of national importance, such as military decisions or leadership questions. The exact method of their use is not detailed in Scripture, but it is generally understood that they were a means of receiving a clear, divinely sanctioned answer. In 1 Samuel 28:6, King Saul seeks guidance from the Lord but receives no answer, "either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets." This indicates that the Urim and Thummim were one of several ways God communicated with His people, alongside dreams and prophetic messages. Symbolism and Significance The Urim and Thummim symbolize the divine guidance and judgment that the high priest was to carry on behalf of the Israelites. Their placement over the heart of the high priest signifies the weight and responsibility of seeking God's will with sincerity and integrity. The breastplate itself, known as the "breastpiece of judgment," underscores the role of the high priest in rendering decisions that align with divine justice. The Hebrew words "Urim" and "Thummim" are often translated as "lights" and "perfections," respectively, suggesting clarity and completeness in the divine answers provided through them. This aligns with the biblical theme of God as a source of light and truth, guiding His people with perfect wisdom. Historical and Theological Context The use of the Urim and Thummim is rooted in the broader context of theocratic governance, where God directly guided the nation of Israel through appointed leaders and priests. The high priest, as a mediator, was entrusted with the sacred duty of consulting God on behalf of the people, ensuring that their actions were in accordance with His will. While the Urim and Thummim are not mentioned in the New Testament, their function as a means of divine guidance foreshadows the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit provides wisdom and discernment, guiding Christians in their walk with God. In summary, the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate of the high priest represent a unique and mysterious aspect of Israelite worship and governance, emphasizing the importance of seeking and adhering to God's will in all matters. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 28:30And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before the LORD continually. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 8:8 Strong's Hebrew 2833. choshen -- breastpiece, sacred pouch... contain or sparkle; perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest -- breastplate. ... /hebrew/2833.htm - 6k Library That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought. Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Book 3 Footnotes The Teacher Come from God and the Teacher from Jerusalem - Jesus ... Book 5 Footnotes An Awful Contrast Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we ... The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance. The Covenant Promise of the Spirit Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Resources Questions about Leviticus | GotQuestions.orgWhat kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.org How did people know about God before the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Urim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Urim and Thummim in the Breastplate Urim and Thummim were Wanting in the Second Temple Urim and Thummim: Consulting God By Urim and Thummim: Eleazar to Ask Counsel for Joshua, After the Judgment of Urim and Thummim: God to be Consulted By Urim and Thummim: Illustrative of the Light and Perfection of Christ, the True Urim and Thummim: Israelites Consult Urim and Thummim: Only Priests Could Interpret Urim and Thummim: Placed in the Breastplate of the High Priest Urim and Thummim: Sometimes No Answer By, in Consequence of the Sin of Those Urim and Thummim: Withheld the Answer from King Saul Related Terms |
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